Box Score #1
Box Score #2
Phoenix, AZ – In the start of their four game series on the road, the Academy of Art University softball team battled the No. 25 team in the nation, Grand Canyon University, in a double header Friday afternoon. After just one day off since their last series, the Knights were going off few days rest and were tired from the long travel, but they didn't let that stand in their way. The women battled in both games against the 'Lopes, and played well, staying true to their game. They dropped the first game to GCU with a score of 6-2, but then rallied back in game number two. Out Attacking in full force, the Knights defeated the 'Lopes in game two with a score of 3-1.
Grand Canyon scored first in the bottom of the first to take an early lead in game one. AAU was kept off balance by their opponents' pitching and as a result they were kept quiet offensively for most of the game. The 'Lopes added to their lead by scoring three runs in the fourth, and two more runs in the bottom of the sixth.
The Urban Knights were putting runners on base from the start of the game. In every single inning they had runners in scoring position, but they failed to bring any in. Finally, in the top of the sixth inning the Knights were able to capitalize on their base runners. Freshman Julie Martin hit a single to left field to score senior Shampayne Clay from third. Then in the seventh, the Knights were again able to get their offense going. Junior Ashley Lokey singled to get things going, followed with a single by freshman Nicole Smith, and another single by freshman Andrea Hanchey. Clay then hit a sacrifice fly to score Lokey from third. With bases loaded and two outs, the Knights were not able to score any more runs and ended up dropping the first game to GCU.
Lokey did well for AAU offesnviely as she went 1-1 with one run scored. Martin also did well going 1-2 with one run batted in, and Clay went 1-3 with one run, and one run batted in.
Despite receiving the loss in the game, freshman Kimberly Dauer pitched a great game for AAU. She went six innings pitched giving up six earned runs, one walk, and recorded three strikeouts.
Lead hitters for the 'Lopes were Nikki Lorenzie who went 3-4 with one run, Gale Nisbet who went 2-3 with one run, and three runs batted in, Kaycee Gamez who went 1-2 with two runs, and Michelle Rasmussen who went 1-3 with one run.
Ivy Campas received the win in the game. She went seven innings pitched giving up seven hits, two earned runs, three walks, and had five strikeouts.
The Urban Knights scored two runs on seven hits, committed no errors, and left 10 runners on base.
After the game break, the Academy of Art University came back ready to play. They came out strong and put up three runs in the top of the first inning. With runners at first and third, Clay homered well over the left field fence to give her team the lead. The 'Lopes answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, off an Urban Knight error. At the end of the inning, the Knights still held on to their two run lead, and let their defense and pitching step in to work.
It was a pitchers' duel for the remainder of the game as no other runs were scored by either team in the game. Sophomore Sierrah Garcia pitched a phenomenal game for the Urban Knights and shutdown the number two team in the PacWest. “Both pitchers went into the game with a game plan and did a good job sticking to it,” said Head Coach Rachel Sherman. “Sierrah threw what I think to be the best game of her career so far.” With the strong pitching performance, the Knights' early game rally would prove to be enough to hold off their opponents for the win.
Clay had another strong game for AAU going 1-3 with a home run, one run scored, and three runs batted in. “Shampayne came up clutch to help our team secure a victory against a very good opponent,” added Coach Sherman. Lokey also did well going 1-3 with one run, Garcia went 1-2 with a double, and Martin went 1-3 in the game.
Garcia received the win in the game for her team. She went all seven innings pitched giving up only four hits, one run (no earned runs), no walks, and had four strikeouts.
For Grand Canyon, only four batters put up hits. Kelsey Carter went 1-1, Christine Norvell went 1-2, and both Teddy Barry and Kelli Bridges went 1-3 in the game. Amy Searcy got the loss for the 'Lopes. She went seven innings giving up four hits, three earned runs, two walks, and had five strikeouts.
The Urban Knights scored three runs on four hits, had three errors, and left four runners on base.
After the split, the Academy of Art University's record is at 19-17 overall, and 9-9 in the PacWest, while Grand Canyon University's record is 32-7 overall, and 13-5 in the PacWest. The two teams battle it out again tomorrow April 3rd. Game times are set for 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM at Grand Canyon University.
